MINNEAPOLIS - December 16, 2014 - Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, Roundup River Ranch and the Parkinson Association of the Rockies each received a two-year $50,000 Health Access Grant from Medtronic Philanthropy in recognition of their continued commitment to improve access to healthcare.  Each was nominated by a team of Medtronic employees working in Louisville, CO.

Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics assist in providing access to healthcare with an emphasis on reducing indicators of morbidity and mortality in infants, children, and adolescents with a low socio-economic status. A RMYC spokesperson shared, "We deeply appreciate all the support Medtronic has given to Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics over the years. The grant funding has allowed us to expand our Thrive Food Pantry and Get Fit program to help hundreds of kids have access to nutritious food and to learn about healthy living. These programs are showing amazing results and we couldn't do what we do for the kids without this wonderful partnership!"

Roundup River Ranch cultivates the lives of children with chronic illnesses by offering free, medically-supported camp programs. This allows the children to focus on having fun in a physically, emotionally and medically supportive environment, and not on their illness. Katie Santabrogio, Director of Development and Marketing mentioned, "Because of Medtronic's support, hundreds of children with serious illnesses and their families will have the opportunity to take a true vacation from being 'a patient' and get back to the fun of being a kid through free, medically-supported camp experiences."

The Parkinson Association of the Rockies contributes to improving access to healthcare in Colorado for people with Parkinson's disease. "This funding is critical to the growth, well-being, and utilization of Parkinson's related services by the Parkinson's community," says Cheryl Siefert, Executive Director of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies.

"These organizations were nominated by our Medtronic Louisville employees because of their proven track record in addressing local, critical healthcare needs," said Scott Hutton, VP & GM Medtronic Neurosurgery. "These organizations enable the health and well-being of deserving members of the community, and we're honored to support them."

Medtronic Health Access Grants are awarded in 36 different communities around the world in recognition of community-based programs and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to chronic disease care for the underserved.

About Medtronic Surgical Technologies
The Surgical Technologies business (www.medtronicneurosurgery.com) develops technology solutions for surgical specialties that include: neurosurgery; spinal surgery; orthopedics; ear, nose and throat; and surgical oncology.  The business designs, develops, manufactures and supports healthcare providers with advanced surgical navigation and imaging solutions, powered surgical tools and systems, intra-operative nerve monitoring devices, advanced energy-based devices for hemostatic sealing and tissue dissection, and implantable devices for hydrocephalus management.

About Medtronic Philanthropy
Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.

About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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Contacts:
Natalie St. Denis
Public Relations
+1-303-917-7772

Rich Fisher
Medtronic Philanthropy
+1-763-505-2975